Text 11] The Character of Bharata Maharaja 279
throughout the world. Philanthropists and altruists do not realize that it
is impossible to improve people’s material conditions. Material conditions
are already established by the superior administration according to one’s
karma. They cannot be changed. The only benefit we can render to
suffering beings is to try to raise them to spiritual consciousness.
Material comforts cannot be increased or decreased. It is therefore said in
Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.5.18), tal labhyate duhkhavad anyatah
sukham: “As far as material happiness is concerned, that comes without
effort, just as tribulations come without effort.”” Material happiness and
pain can be attained without endeavor. One should not bother for
material activities. If one is at all sympathetic or able to do good to others.
he should endeavor to raise people to Krsna consciousness. In this way
everyone advances spiritually by the grace of the Lord. For our instruc-
tion, Bharata Maharaja acted in such a way. We should be very careful
not to be misled by so-called welfare activities conducted in bodily terms.
One should not give up his interest in attaining the favor of Lord Visnu
at any cost. Generally people do not know this. or they forget it. Conse-
quently they sacrifice their original interest, the attainment of Visnu’s
favor, and engage in philanthropic activities for bodily comfort.
TEXT 11
qt SUT MAIAARTANTANeY ae TET

SHOR Mic eae

itt krtanusariga Gsana-sayandatana-snanasanadisu saha mrga-jahuna
snehanubaddha-hrdaya Gsit.

iti—thus: krta-anusarigah—having developed attachment: dsana—
sitting: Sayana—lying down: atana—walking: snana—bathing: dsana-
ddisu—while eating and so on; saha mrga-jahunad—with the deer calf:
sneha-anubaddha—captivated by affection: hrdayah—his heart: dsit—
became.

TRANSLATION

Due to attachment for the deer, Maharaja Bharata lay down with
it, walked about with it, bathed with it and even ate with it. Thus
his heart became bound to the deer in affection.
